Answers

Q:

How much do I have to clean up my life before I can give my life to Jesus? I know I'm supposed to repent of my sins, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get rid of everything that's wrong in my life. I know I need Him, however.

A:

One of the Bible’s greatest truths is that God accepts us just as we are when we give our lives to Jesus. We don’t have to clean up our lives before we come to Him; He welcomes us just as we are, as we bring Him all of our sins and guilt and weakness. And that is good news!

Think of it this way. If you’re sick and need a doctor, he doesn’t make you wait until you’re well before he’ll see you. Instead, you bring your sickness to him — and he accepts you just as you are. All you have to do is be willing to admit you’re sick, and then to submit to his treatment.

The same is true of our spiritual sickness — which is caused by our sin. All we have to do is admit that we need God’s forgiveness, then be willing to submit our lives to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness and new life we need. Repentance doesn’t mean we become perfect; it means simply that we’re willing to turn from our sin and receive Christ. And when we do, God has promised to forgive us.

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Don’t delay your decision for Christ, but turn to Him and let Him welcome you into His family today — just as you are.